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the eighth day

January 08, 2007

Fighting Consumerism

Another creative way of fighting the consumerist culture in which we find ourselves immersed: this coming from San Francisco - a group calling themselves "The Compact" who decided to give up shopping for a year. Ten people, over a dinner conversation, decided to give up new clothes, gadgets, computers, car parts, mobile phones, books or music for 12 months, and captured the imagination of thousands, who have now linked up through an online discussion group.
They found some unusual responses, being called "unAmerican", and "economic terrorists". Perhaps consumerism is more of an addiction than we are prepared to admit!
Final comment belongs to one of the group members: "The real revelation is that it isn't that hard," he said. "We all have so much stuff, we could probably live for years without replacing anything. It makes you change the way you look at and appreciate the things you have. We're definitely going to continue."
Anyone game?